News Detail

Senator Weaver statement on the State of the State address

1/31/2018

Peoria- State Senator Chuck Weaver (R-Peoria) released the following statement after Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner delivered his 2018 State of the State address:

“The Governor outlined his successes but stood firm in addressing the challenges that remain. While we have taken significant action to improve how we fund our schools, enacted major criminal justice reforms, and improved the effectiveness of state government the need for term limits, property tax reform and rooting out corruption still exist.

“We all know the challenges that our state still faces, from another budget shortfall to a crushing tax hike that is slowing job growth and economic development as we speak. Our state has allowed the political insiders to control the process for far too long. As the U.S. has reached the lowest unemployment rate in 17 years, and the lowest African American unemployment rate ever recorded, the previous decades of failed leadership in Illinois continue to leave the state lagging behind the renewed economic enthusiasm of the nation. This is unacceptable for a state that ranks in the top five for agriculture production, manufacturing, air transportation, and investment availability and activity.

“We have to do better. We can work together and we have to reject the broken ways of the past. The people of Illinois deserve a state with a strong economy that grows good paying jobs, a place where they have a real future.

“As we begin the spring regular session, I remain committed to working with my colleagues from both sides to find common ground so we can develop, and pass into law, real bipartisan solutions to the problems that are plaguing our state. And on every issue that comes before the Senate, I will continue to vote for what I believe is in the best interests of the people of the 37th District and the State of Illinois.”